Patient Representative, Medical Assistance in Dying Oversight Advisory Committee

The Ministry of Health’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) Oversight Unit is looking for individuals who have experience supporting a person through MAiD services to work with the Ministry and health care professionals in making recommendations with respect to the current level of service and quality assurance for MAiD in BC.

Open to: Patient partners across the province

Lead Organization or Department

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) Oversight Unit, Provincial, Hospital and Laboratory Health Services Division - Ministry of Health

Aim

The MAiD Oversight Advisory Committee is part of the Ministry of Health’s effort to maintain effective oversight of all MAiD cases in support of improved provincial policy and accountability. Members of the committee will review confidential case materials, aggregate data and additional MAiD related documentation. The role of the patient partners will be to provide insight into what matters most to patients and their families and advice on how MAiD services can meet their needs.

Level of Engagement

This opportunity is at the level of involve on the spectrum of engagement. The promise to you is that the health care partner will involve patients in planning and design phases to ensure ideas or concerns are considered and reflected in alternatives and recommendations.

Eligibility

• Open to patient partners across the province
• Experience supporting a person through MAiD services and resources in BC (experience with MAiD services after November 1, 2018 is preferred)
• Some understanding of the MAiD process in BC
• Comfortable sharing your experience and providing advice to a group of people
• Please note:
  • The placement process for this opportunity may include an informal interview between the volunteer and the health care partner.
  • Applicants must have previously attended a PVN orientation session and completed the Volunteer Agreement. If you have not attended an orientation session but you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Ashley Clark directly to see if accommodations may be possible.

Logistics

• Vacancies: 2
• Date/time: The next meeting is expected to be held in September. Meetings are expected to be held within regular business hours.
• Location: Vancouver and Victoria
• Commitment: The committee meetings are expected to last approximately one-two days. Some email/telephone communication and document review will occur between meetings. The committee will meet 2-3 times annually. The commitment is one year with the option of renewal.

Reimbursement

All travel expenses related to the cost of attending the events will be reimbursed (i.e., transportation, parking, lodging, and approved meals). Reimbursement for expenses will happen after the event.

Background

As of November 1, 2018, the Ministry of Health (MoH) assumed responsibility for reviewing all MAiD deaths in BC and ensuring they comply with the federal and provincial regulatory frameworks. The MoH has established the MAiD Oversight Advisory Committee to review cases and to provide advice to the Ministry and make recommendations that will inform MAiD policy and quality improvement. In addition to patient partners, the MAiD Oversight Advisory Committee will be comprised of individuals from the MoH, provincial regulatory colleges, Health Authorities, and practitioners and pharmacists who are involved in assessment and provision of MAiD.

Health Care Partner Contact Information

Ashley Clark
Engagement Leader, Patient & Public Engagement | Vancouver Island
250.812.8908
aclark@bcpsqc.ca